Demonstration Science Program

Demonstration Science Program

The Demonstration Science program offers a one-time-only opportunity for community
involvement in the initial scientific use of the Gemini North telescope.

The Demonstration Science program is a focussed observing program which will pursue two
scientific themes: one using Hokupa'a/QUIRC and one using OSCIR. Each theme will be
allocated 1 to 1.5 weeks of telescope time prior to the start of the QuickStart Service
observations. The intent of the Demonstration Science program is to produce data sets for the
community that illustrate the capabilities of the Gemini telescope and will be of
immediate scientific interest. Partipcants in the Demonstration Science program will be
asked to waive their normal proprietary time period with the intention of releasing the
Demonstration Science data products within 2 months of completion of the observations.
The Demonstration Science program will be the first scientific use of the Gemini North
telescope, so program observations will necessarily have to be simple, but should be of
a scope unlikely to be accommodated within the QuickStart service program. See the
QuickStart program overview for details of the
expected instrument and telescope capabilities as well as operational constraints.

Gemini will be forming two international Demonstration Science teams (one for each theme) to
work closely with the Gemini Observatory staff to define the two themes, their
scientific goals and observations, execute the observations,
and participate in the data reduction and preparation of data products. Examples of
themes suggested by the Gemini Staff are Adaptive Optics observations of the Galactic
Center, and a 10µm deep field. Community members are being solicited to become members of
one or the other of the two Gemini suggested theme teams, or to propose alternative
themes.

Letters of Interest for participation in the Demonstration Science program should be submitted
by e-mail directly to Gemini
(demoscience@gemini.edu). The deadline for Letters of Interest is 31 March 2000.
A Letter of Interest should be less than two pages long, and should briefly describe your
scientific interest in one or the other of the above themes or propose an alternative
theme, including scientific and technical rationale. Letters should also include a brief
description of your proposed role(s) and responsibilities. Proposers for the Demonstration Science
program should be prepared to travel to Hawaii to participate in the execution of
observations and data reduction. Selection of the Demonstration Science themes and definition of
the Demo Science teams will be by Gemini together with the Gemini National Project
Scientists. The selected Demonstration Science teams will be expected to complete the definition
of the theme and scientific goals, together with the observing program, by the end of April.

All questions concerning the Demonstration Science program should be made using the Gemini HelpDesk. This web-based
system will send the request to your National Gemini Office staff in the first instance
who will escalate it to Gemini staff if necessary.

The amount and
distribution of telescope time available for the Demonstration Science program is also subject
to reassessment as part of the Gemini Operational Readiness Review, scheduled for 1-2 May
2000.